John King argues that the city's new guidelines may leave too many loopholes open, potentially defeating their purpose: well-integrated new buildings.
Design critic John King praises San Francisco's intent, but raises doubts about the effectiveness of a new set of urban design guidelines. "The inherent subjectivity of such standards could muddy the waters rather than lead to better buildings, which is what we really need."
The issues King raises are architectural; the guidelines don't impact density. The document "wouldn't affect the low-slung residential districts of the city, which have their own guidelines, and it wouldn't alter the height or bulk of what's allowed in the neighborhoods and commercial districts covered by the new guidelines."
Loopholes and vague language are the main worry. By trying to be all things to all people, the guidelines could backfire and become meaningless. "Part of the problem is that no document can defuse the perennial tension between San Franciscans who want new buildings to look as if they've been here all along, and those who want the city to be a contemporary showcase on par with Barcelona or Rotterdam."
On a deeper level, King worries that "standards that upgrade the sorriest proposed buildings also can be applied so joylessly and dutifully that imaginative architecture gets pressed into a predictable mold."
FULL STORY: Do urban design guidelines help or hinder growing cities?
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Seattle Safe Parking Site to Close, Relocate
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LA ‘Mobility Wallet’ Increased Quality of Life for Participants
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Texas, California Rail Projects Seek Out Private Funding
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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